M – I – C – K – E – Y M – O – U – S – E!
Happy Thursday Bulldogs, and a very happy birthday to Mickey Mouse! As Thanksgiving break draws ever closer, we get to celebrate this lovable character’s special day. Believe it or not, when Walt Disney showed his wife, Lillian, the first sketches of Mickey Mouse, his name was not even Mickey yet. Disney first thought his newest character should be called Mortimer Mouse. His wife was not impressed with this name, however, and suggested that the mouse be called Mickey instead. Michael Theodore “Mickey” Mouse, as he is formally called, debuted publicly in the Disney short “Steamboat Willie” on November 18, 1928. Minnie Mouse was also debuted in this film.
Mickey Mouse debuting in Steamboat Willie (1928)
While this was not the first Disney short animated film showing off the cute animal creation, it was the first short with synchronized sound – a major breakthrough in the world of film. That day showed the world a groundbreaking cartoon and served as the start of an incredible and magical journey for both Walt Disney and his cartoon child, Mickey Mouse.
It is truly surprising to think that the world first fell in love with this adorable mouse 93 years ago today. People all over the world, and especially at the Walt Disney Company, still celebrate and praise Mickey as the start of a new era in entertainment. He was, after all, the character responsible for the first magic and wonder of Disney, the company, and the parks around the world. For Mickey and Minnie’s 90th birthday back in 2018, the parks went wild! Special 90th birthday celebration outfits were made just for them, and the parks were decorated to the brim with flower sculptures, balloons, and confetti. (I was lucky enough to be in Disney World not too long after their birthdays and even got a picture with them in their birthday outfits.)
In the spring of 2020, I also was fortunate enough to participate in a Dean College class trip to Disney World and Universal studios with my Theme Park Management class. I always find the Disney parks to be a comfortable and happy place to go, relax, and enjoy a good amount of light “retail therapy” to de-stress. While I was able to do all of that on this trip, I got more out of the experience of just being in the parks this time by taking behind the scenes tours to learn about the history of the parks and how they are run. I loved being able to reflect on the culture of our school, the Dean Difference, and the welcoming and friendly community we all strive for, especially when I was learning about the Disney culture, their community, and their values. I found many similarities in the way the Imagineers and cast members are welcoming, accepting and so friendly and warm. To those who are just starting out here at Dean, I would strongly recommend this trip and experience. Even though our trip was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was an amazing experience. It was not just about being in the parks and getting to enjoy all they have to offer. Being at Disney World on this trip provided an experience that helped us to consider and learn about the teamwork, culture, values, minds, and amazing history behind the parks, showing us the secrets that make these kinds of places such an incredible, diverse, and creative reality.
Even though the ongoing pandemic situation is still pretty unsettling right now, we should try to take a moment to appreciate and celebrate the places, the experiences, the people, and the wonderous characters like Mickey and Minnie that make our lives so entertaining, special, and – at times - magical. Happy Birthday, Mickey! Wishing you many more!
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